stevet

Now that's what you call horsepower.

OK, so I'm at the tire shop today getting some new treads on Madam's Beetle and behind the couter they have a couple of tires that I think are the silliest I have seen. I thought maybe they were for a window display, but no they were for an SUV with 26 inch rims, and the profile was just under 2 inches http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif I asked the guy who they were for and he just rolled his eyes and said "someone with more money than sense." You are going to feel every inch of road with those puppies http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/confused5.gif

Al, there might be a place near me (in Charlottesville). An old warehouse/factory was buldozed recently leaving a large concrete slab and what was the old parking lot. Some local car dealers have been parking their cars on it. I'm pretty sure a local bank is getting ready to build a new office on the site - starting next year I think. I can try and check it out but would probably need more details - especially in the area of 'it might get damaged' Steve.

I was not aware of Mac's involvement with the 7s design. This from Blatchat Gilbert "Mac" McIntosh born 2nd May 1925, died 20th November 2006 OBITUARY by Peter Ross. Gilbert McIntosh, known to all as “Mac”, died on 20th November at the age of 81after a long battle with cancer. He was one of the small group from de Havilland which included Mike and Frank Costin, and Peter Ross, who joined Colin Chapman as unpaid enthusiast in the early fifties and brought some aircraft industry influence to Lotus design. Mac was in the aircraft design department at Hatfield, and had spent time in the stress office. He was responsible for the engine installation on the Comet and Trident. It was natural that he immediately took a keen interest in the Lotus space frame chassis design. When he first appeared at Hornsey in early 1954 the special “works” chassis frame had already been designed, but he got the job of designing all the brackets for the suspension, engine etc. These were often criticised by Johnny Teych and Dave Kelsey at Progress Chassis as being too flimsy and complicated to make, Mac criticise their suggestions as “agricultural”, but they eventually got along. Mac was amazed to discover how little knowledge there was in the racing car world of the loads imposed on the chassis, and he started by making an inspired guess, and when things broke was able to revise his theory until he had a pretty good idea of what was needed. Mac became very much a “back room boy” at Lotus and formed a close relationship with Colin, each having great respect for the other. A keen golfer, Mac would not be free to watch a motor race on the Saturday, but always spent his Sundays with Colin and Hazel at their home Gothic Cottage. Here was dreamed up the first proper space frame Lotus chassis, the one fitted to the two “works” Lotus Mk IXs in 1955 which closely resembled what would become the Lotus Eleven chassis in 1956. Gone was the large 1-7/8” diameter bottom tube, and now each one would be sized according to the tension or compression load it had to take. There were even detachable tubes to allow the engine to be taken out – a lesson learnt the hard way on the works Mk VIII. Mac gave an amusing account of the birth of the Lotus Seven one Sunday. Hazel said she thought a simpler sports car was needed, more like the original Mk VI, ands Mac agreed, saying that it should not involve much design work as it would just be an unstreamlined version of the Series 2 Eleven. So it was agreed that Colin and Mac would be excused washing up after lunch in exchange for designing the Lotus Seven, which was virtually completed by late that evening. Mac was given a Lotus Eleven at cost as part thanks for all the work he had done, and converted it to have a hard top and be completely waterproof (quite a task!). It of course had space to carry his golf clubs. Soon after (in 1957) Mac parted company with Lotus when, as Hazel put it, he “committed matrimony”. Mac was involved with Lotus chassis from the Mk IX to the Type 14 Elite – the latter being of course more complicated and involving a monocoque structure in a relatively new material – glassfibre. Later Mac left the aircraft industry and brought his aircraft and Lotus experience to benefit the earth moving industry by becoming Chief Designer for JCB. Colin visited him in 1969 to try to persuade him to come back to Lotus to replace Maurice Philippe as Chief Designer to Team Lotus – but Mac declined. He leaves a wife Jill, three children Ian, Duncan and Susan, and seven grandchildren. 20th November 2006

Ouch

I've just replaced a sump pump in the basement and mopped up after a very unpleasant overflow. Could have been worse though - could have happened tomorrow Eat, drink and be merry. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif

Bugger! As we Brits like to say. Great job.

Thanks Tom, I'm happy to Scott him a ride - see if he's comfortable in my standard seats if that helps. Steve.

Alaskossie, If you come to Charlottesville to visit your son, let me know. I have my Caterham here (my second), and used to own an Escort RS 4X4 (production model). Prior to that owner a series of Sierra Cosworth's which between them were stolen 12 times. Yes, 12 - the 'cossie' was the car du jour for bank robbers in the UK in the 80's. Plus, I' lived in a dodgey part of South London. Prior to that had a Mk 2 Escort RS 2000. What does your son do here? Best, Steve.

It's Monday. And it's still b.

It's b. At least it is where they build 'em. And I should know.

Great job guys. Get some sleep http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/sleep.gif

That should read Scrapple - which is right up there with sausage gravy in the breakfast foods not to eat before driving the dragon http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Al, The waitress from Mrs Rowe's wants to know why you haven't posted your Scapple photo...

What is that parked in 'my' car port - The beginnings of a mobile bar perhaps? Not that I'm worried about this dry county thing you understand... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cheers2.gif

Thanks, John. I'm not rushing into this. The cams I got came from 'Web Cam' in Riverside CA (anyone know them or used them?). I'm going to get them checked out by someone who knows thier cams from thier elbow before making any decisions.

Sounds good boys. Looks like I'll be driving down afterall - the beer fridge will be on the trailer http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Box' I'm a tight fit with or without the jacket - would like to try an SV though, mainly to see how much more room there is for my feet (is there room to 'rest' your clutch foot?). Mine are size 12's BTW http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif

Rob, judging from all the Woodrow Wilson signs as you enter Staunton, I think you are right on.

Thanks boys - good to see you both again. Very nice drive back - 38 by the time I got home! If you have time, stop off on the way back for one of Mrs Rowe's famous pies (I bought one for tonight). Like I need more pies! I look like the Michelin man already http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

Mazda. You are not alone...

My Zetec Caterham has been trouble free for 3 years. I do the usual service stuff myself and have replaced some stuff on the car (that did not really need doing - it's a seven thing...).

My first Caterham had clamshells, my current one has cycle's. I loved the look of the clams, but prefer the cycle wings - feel more stable at speed - but you definitely get more junk in the 'office' with the cycles!

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/zetec/ Mike, try the above - you might get more advice than you need but I'm sure you'll get something.

My old crossflow was gloss black (might have been semi). The guy who rebuilt it would only use black...